The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have teamed up with the Keeping Abreast organization during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in support of the Keeping Abreast Fund at the Health Sciences Centre Foundation.

Jackie Stephen founded the Keeping Abreast after her own courageous battle and recovery with DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) breast cancer in March, 2007.

A few short weeks after being diagnosed, Stephen received her mastectomy and reconstructive surgery on the same day.

“My breast reconstruction surgery made the difference between surviving and thriving after breast cancer,” says Stephen. “I still look like me, feel like me, and can sometimes even forget I had cancer. This surgery is an extraordinary gift for women with breast cancer.”

Dr. Ethel MacIntosh and Dr. Ed Buchel of the Health Sciences Centre performed Stephen’s mastectomy and immediate reconstructive surgery and strive to do so for every woman with breast cancer in Manitoba who needs it.

The positive outcome and gratitude Stephen feels for everyone who supported her and her family throughout the ordeal, led her – with the support of her family and close friends – to create the Keeping Abreast Fund, in support of Breast Cancer Reconstruction Surgery, Research & Education.

Winnipeg Blue Bomber players will be practicing with pink gloves this week and the gloves will then be autographed and up for auction on www.bluebombers.com where all proceeds will go towards the Keeping Abreast Fund. The auction runs from Saturday, October 9th until Sunday, October 17th.

Fans can also purchase pink tuques and pink logo’d scarves for $20 at the October 11th game against the BC Lions or by visiting the Bomber Store at Canad Inns Stadium or online at www.bluebombers.com/store starting Tuesday, October 5th.

Blue Bomber players will be at St. Vital Centre on Saturday, October 9th from 3-5pm for the official launch.

“We encourage as many fans as possible to help or donate to this cause as we all know someone who has been affected by this disease,” says Blue Bomber President, Jim Bell. “It’s a fight that so many women battle on a daily basis and if we can help in some way those affected by this, we feel honoured to do so.”

Members of the Keeping Abreast Community can purchase tickets for the Blue Bomber game against the BC Lions on October 11th and receive 30% off the regular ticket price of upper deck blue zone tickets.

Log onto www.ticketmaster.ca and enter PINK in the Promotions and Special Offers section to receive your discount. This offer is only available online and expires on Sunday, October 10th at 6pm CST.